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What Is Philosophy?

The essence of any discipline can only be appreciated by a thorough consideration of philosophy in general and the philosophies, of the particular field being investigated. Philosophy is a Held of inquiry that attempts to help individuals evaluate, in a satisfying and meaningful manner, their relationships to the universe. Philosophy helps people evaluate themselves and their world by giving them a basis to deal with the problems of life and death, good and evil, freedom and restraint, beauty and ugliness. Aristotle said that philosophy is the grouping of the knowledge of the universals, Dictionary definitions report that it is the love of wisdom and the science that investigates the facts and principles of reality and of human nature and conduct. Philosophy helps individuals answer problems that confront them and the world through critical thinking and reflective appraisal of experiences. Philosophy offers an explanation of life and the principles that guide human lives. Some of the questions that reflect the concerns of philosophers include the following: What is the role of human beings on this earth? What is the origin and nature of the universe? What constitutes good and evil, right and wrong? What constitutes truth? Is there a God? Do human beings have souls, that is, some essence that exists yet cannot be seen? What is the function of education in society? What relationship exists between mind and matter? To comprehend mare clearly the meaning of philosophy , it is important to examine its various branches of study.

Philosophy has several branches of study Metaphysics seeks to address the ultimate nature of reality; that is, what is teal and unreal. Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with examining the nature of knowledge. .axiology focuses on determining the nature of values. Two extensions of axiology are ethics and aesthetics. Ethics is concerned with issues of right and wrong and serves as the basis for an individual code of conduct. Aesthetics is the study of the nature of beauty and art. As a branch of study, logic is concerned with reasoning in an orderly and systematic way. these branches represent different aspects of philosophy. In developing a comprehensive philosophy for a discipline, such as physical education, each of these areas is addressed. Each branch of philosophy is defined, a typical question posed, and an example of a question that might be asked relative to physical education is presented in the box on p. 18. Philosophy and Physical Education and Sport-Why Have a Philosophy? In today's changing society a sound philosophy of life and physical education and sport is necessary For the professional to be effective. Physical educators must ask themselves the following important questions: What has value in today's society ? What is relevant to the needs of today's youths and adults? Physical educators also may find a philosophy helpful in addressing more specific questions confronting them. For example: Should youth sport programs mandate equal playing time for all participants? Should intercollegiate athletes be required to maintain a certain grade-point average to participate? Should athletic trainers be required to report illegal drug use by an athlete?

Should the coach , athletic trainer or athlete make the final determination if an injured athlete can play? Should employees he required to participate in a corporate fitness program? Should certification be required of all health / fitness club employees? Should individuals who have tested HIS positive be allowed to participate in physical education classes and on athletic teams? Should the media scrutinize the private lives of professional athletes? Should physical educators be role models and " practice what they preach?" A philosophy of physical education and sport can help. physical educators resolve these and other questions and concerns confronting them , A philosophy of physical education and sport serves several functions. A philosophy of physical education and sport articulates the worth of physical education and sport. Philosophy is a process through which people search for truths, reality, and values. Through philosophy, physical educators are able to study the meaning, nature, importance and source of values in physical education. Philosophy guides the physical educator in determining the aims ,objectives, and content of physical education and sport programs , and provides a logical means of determining whether or not physical education and sport is providing

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